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Using a digital inspection platform for utility pole data collection can prevent tragedies

Texas Wildfire The Importance Of Utility Pole Data Collection In Preventing Wildfires

Table of contents

March 19, 2024

Explore how digital inspection platforms like Fulcrum help electric utilities prevent infrastructure failures by modernizing utility pole inspections. By combining digital data collection with GIS, AI, and IoT, utilities can move from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven strategies that improve safety and grid reliability.

Key insights

  • The Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas highlights the consequences of missed inspections and failing infrastructure.
  • Digital platforms like Fulcrum support accurate, complete data collection in the field and reduce the risk of oversight.
  • GIS and AI help utilities prioritize maintenance and identify issues before they become hazardous.
  • IoT sensors provide continuous monitoring of pole conditions, enabling faster response to potential problems.
  • Integration with existing systems improves data access, streamlines workflows, and supports better decision-making.

Securing the integrity of the electrical grid is a paramount task that begins with rigorous inspections of utility poles. These pole inspections are critical for preventing service interruptions and averting disasters. The devastating Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas in February 2024 starkly demonstrates the consequences of neglect. Affected homeowners allege that Xcel Energy failed to properly inspect and maintain a wooden utility pole, which ultimately splintered and snapped at the base. The utility has not specified the exact cause of the fire, but does concede that it was sparked by a failure in its infrastructure and issues with pole loading analysis or field data.

Texas Wildfire The Importance Of Utility Pole Data Collection In Preventing Wildfires

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for advancements in pole inspection methods for utility companies. The utility sector’s pivot towards digital innovations like digital data collection platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), is a strategic move to prevent future calamities. By enhancing precision, efficiency, and collaboration in inspection processes, these technologies empower electrical utilities to proactively identify and rectify vulnerabilities, thereby safeguarding the grid and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

Why data quality drives grid safety

Reliable data quality is foundational to grid safety. Capturing consistent, structured records for all distribution power poles, complete with precise geospatial information built on accurate GPS data, provides utilities with a comprehensive and trusted view of their assets across service territories. An accurate, system-wide inventory empowers teams to proactively prioritize repairs, ultimately keeping communities safe.

Digital data collection platforms for utility companies

Mobile field inspection platforms stand at the forefront of revolutionizing utility pole data collection by providing several practical benefits such as:

  • Streamlined data integration and analysis. By enabling the seamless incorporation of visual data and ensuring mandatory fields are completed in the field data collection process, digital platforms facilitate informed decision-making and comprehensive assessments. Inspectors are empowered to efficiently capture crucial information, significantly reducing the risk of oversight. Structured inputs elevate data quality and make the platform a durable digital resource for multi-year asset programs.
  • Enhanced accessibility and collaboration. Centralizing data within a shared system allows stakeholders, including field technicians, engineers, and management, to access and collaborate on inspection records in real-time. A crucial part of this is the ability to create and review a pole audit field map, which integrates geospatial data layers alongside individual forms, tying photos, notes, and GPS data to each structure. Anytime, anywhere access promotes alignment across teams and speeds up decision-making processes for a more optimal performance.
  • Efficient workflow management. The platforms streamline task assignments and progress tracking, enabling swift action based on advanced pole inspection outcomes. As part of a complete pole audit survey, built-in field automation assigns follow-ups, notifies supervisors, and standardizes the pole audit process from inspection to remediation. And field automation ensures maintenance needs are promptly addressed, enhancing accurate pole loading analyses, and reducing downtime.
Worker Performing A Visual Examination For A Digital Pole Inspection - utility pole data collection

Digital data collection platforms improve inspection accuracy and efficiency, giving utilities greater control over pole monitoring. Teams can anticipate potential issues and resolve them before they escalate. Proactive action strengthens grid resilience and extends the life of critical infrastructure.

GIS and AI for deeper utility assets insights

Utilities can dramatically improve strategic planning and maintenance prioritization by leveraging GIS and AI. These powerful tools offer spatial and predictive insights at specific pole locations. Geospatial technology maps the entire infrastructure, while data layers from a field data collection platform add critical details. Consolidating high-accuracy GPS data onto these maps improves traceability from pole to feeder, giving teams the clear visibility needed to act based on an asset’s location and condition.

A man performing a digital data collection inspection of a utility pole

AI algorithms then improve this process further by analyzing images and data to detect potential issues. They identify risks early, enabling teams to proactively uphold safety standards before problems escalate into failures. Integrating GIS with digital platforms creates a layered technology approach that improves the entire inspection process through increased resilience and efficiency.

IoT for continuous monitoring

The Internet of Things (IoT) further enriches the FieldTech ecosystem, with a crucial layer of real-time monitoring. Deployed directly on the electrical infrastructure, IoT sensors constantly transmit status data. A continuous stream of reliable data allows for much quicker identification and response to issues than is possible with traditional, often hazardous, manual measurements, enabling a truly proactive approach to infrastructure management.

A proactive strategy, fueled by live data, leads to vastly improved decision-making. The full power of this approach is unlocked when IoT data is combined with the accuracy of digital data platforms and the spatial and predictive analytics of GIS and AI. An integrated system gives utilities a complete operational picture, helping them sustain grid safety while more effectively coordinating field operations.

Conclusion

Digital platforms, GIS, AI, and IoT arm electric utilities with tools for real-time insights and smarter infrastructure maintenance. The combined power of these technologies drives sharper decisions, faster responses, and stronger grid performance. A unified strategy boosts efficiency, safeguards the public, and prepares the grid for tomorrow’s energy challenges. Looking ahead, embracing these advanced technologies is critical for preventing disasters and ensuring a dependable electrical grid.

Digital transformation starts with Fulcrum

Kickstart your digital transformation with Fulcrum! Leave outdated methods behind and embrace modern field data collection and process management. Get faster, smarter results for utility pole inspections, vegetation management, and more. With Fulcrum’s seamless integration of GIS, AI, and IoT technologies, electrical utilities can enhance operational efficiency while fortifying grid resilience. Ready to see it in action? Contact us now for a free, personalized demo!

Digital inspection platform and utility pole data collection FAQs

What is Fulcrum, and how does it serve utility companies?

Fulcrum is a digital field inspection platform designed to help utility companies efficiently collect, manage, and analyze data related to their infrastructure, including utility poles. It streamlines field data collection processes by offering mobile and cloud-based solutions.

How does Fulcrum simplify the data collection process for utility poles?

Fulcrum offers a mobile app that allows field technicians to collect data using their smartphones or tablets. The platform supports offline data collection, real-time syncing, and customizable form templates tailored for utility pole inspections.

Can Fulcrum integrate with existing utility management systems?

Yes, Fulcrum can integrate with GIS, asset management, and other enterprise systems. This integration ensures seamless data flow between systems, improving decision-making and coordination.

Does Fulcrum offer predictive analytics for pole inspections?

Fulcrum can be used to generate reports and insights that help predict maintenance needs and potential failures. By analyzing historical and real-time data, utilities can forecast which poles are likely to pose risks in the future.

How does Fulcrum make data accessible to utility teams?

Fulcrum stores data in the cloud, making it accessible to authorized team members from anywhere, at any time. This accessibility ensures that field teams and managers have up-to-date information for making informed decisions.

Is Fulcrum customizable for specific utility needs?

Fulcrum offers customizable form templates, allowing utilities to tailor inspection forms to their specific requirements. This flexibility ensures that the platform meets diverse operational needs.

Why is digital pole inspection important for utility companies?

Digital pole inspections provide accurate, real-time data that helps in maintaining infrastructure integrity. It aids in preventing failures and tragedies such as outages, fires, or structural collapses by allowing proactive maintenance.

What types of data can be collected using Fulcrum during pole inspections?

Field technicians can collect various types of data, including GPS coordinates, photos, structural conditions, material types, and potential hazard assessments. This comprehensive data provides insights into the current state of utility poles.

How does using Fulcrum help to prevent utility-related tragedies?

By providing accurate and timely data, Fulcrum enables utility companies to identify and rectify potential hazards before they lead to accidents or failures. For instance, it helps detect poles that are at risk of falling due to decay or damage.

Can Fulcrum reduce the costs associated with utility pole inspections?

Yes, by streamlining data collection and improving operational efficiency, Fulcrum helps reduce labor costs and minimizes the need for repeat inspections. This efficiency translates into significant cost savings over time.

What kind of technical support does Fulcrum offer to utilities?

Fulcrum offers support through email, in-app chat, and phone. Utilities can also access Fulcrum Academy for self-paced training. For additional help, professional and managed services provide support with workflows, GIS enhancements, and system integrations.

How can utilities start using Fulcrum for pole inspections?

Utilities can begin by contacting Fulcrum for a free custom demo of the platform’s capabilities. Fulcrum’s team will work with utilities to customize the subscription tier and provide the necessary implementation support.

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